beautypg.com

Dell Precision 420 User Manual

Page 52

background image

R

RAID

redundant arrays of independent disks

RAM

random-access memory. The computer's primary temporary storage area for program instructions and data. Each location in RAM is identified by
a number called a memory address. Any information stored in RAM is lost when you turn off your computer.

RAMDAC

random-access memory digital-to-analog converter

RDRAM

Rambus dynamic random-access memory

read-only file

A read-only file is one that you are prohibited from editing or deleting. A file can have read-only status if:

l

Its read-only attribute is enabled.

l

It resides on a physically write-protected diskette or on a diskette in a write-protected drive.

l

It is located on a network in a directory to which the system administrator has assigned read-only rights to you.

readme file

A text file included with a software package or hardware product that contains information supplementing or updating the documentation for the
software or hardware. Typically, readme files provide installation information, describe new product enhancements or corrections that have not yet
been documented, and list known problems or other things you need to be aware of as you use the software or hardware.

real mode

An operating mode supported by 80286 or higher microprocessors, real mode imitates the architecture of an 8086 microprocessor.

refresh rate

The rate at which the monitor redraws the video image on the monitor screen. More precisely, the refresh rate is the frequency, measured in Hz, at
which the screen's horizontal lines are recharged (sometimes also referred to as its vertical frequency). The higher the refresh rate, the less video
flicker can be seen by the human eye. The higher refresh rates are also noninterlaced.

RIMM

Rambus inline memory module

RFI

radio frequency interference

RGB

red/green/blue

ROM

read-only memory. Your computer contains some programs essential to its operation in ROM code. Unlike RAM, a ROM chip retains its contents
even after you turn off your computer. Examples of code in ROM include the program that initiates your computer's boot routine and the POST.

rpm

revolutions per minute

RTC

real-time clock. Battery-powered clock circuitry inside the computer that keeps the date and time after you turn off the computer.

S

SDRAM